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In this Update:
Cracking Down on Internet Crimes Against Children
“Alicia’s Law” is named in honor of Alicia Kozak, a Pittsburgh-area resident who was abducted, sexually assaulted, and tortured at age 13 by a man she met online in what is recognized as one of the nation’s first documented internet-facilitated child abduction cases. Alicia’s Law, which I’ve partnered with my friend and colleague from Allegheny County Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-46) to introduce, would improve Pennsylvania’s ability to investigate and prosecute internet crimes like this against children. The House version was unanimously approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee this week. I’m proud to work with the Alicia Project and Rep. Ortitay to protect kids from predators and crack down on these crimes! Learn more about the legislation here. Push to Modernize Charitable Fundraising
It’s time to update our antiquated laws and allow PA’s non-profits to fundraise online! This week, I joined Reps. Tim Twardzik (R-123) and Russ Diamond (R-102), and representatives from local fire companies, youth sports leagues, and nonprofits to urge action on my legislation to modernize Pennsylvania’s small games of chance law during a press conference at the state Capitol. Pennsylvania’s nonprofits and volunteer organizations work hard to support and serve their communities, and our laws should reflect the way people make purchases today. Currently, non-profits can only accept cash or check, which many people do not carry anymore. Senate Bill 416 is a commonsense update that gives these organizations fundraising options without changing the safeguards already in place. I’m proud to report that the House Gaming Oversight Committee advanced this bill unanimously earlier this week following the press conference! But we’re not done yet – we need to continue pushing until this bill is fully across the finish line, and we only have a few more session days to get it done. Learn more about the legislation here. Sen. Robinson Sworn in as New Member of State Veterans Commission
I am very proud to have been sworn in as a new member of the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ State Veterans Commission (SVC)! One of my top priorities as a senator is to support our nation’s veterans by ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive. I’m looking forward to furthering that goal through the SVC! See more photos from the swearing in ceremony here. Raising Awareness for Prostate Cancer
I am grateful for all the patients, providers, researchers, advocates, and colleagues who joined the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and me at the state Capitol this week to raise awareness about prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in the commonwealth, and when detected early, is often treatable and survivable. Special thanks to my friend, Audra, at Blackout PCa in Monroeville for her tireless advocacy on this issue! See more photos from the press conference here.
Following our prostate cancer awareness press conference, I joined the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network for a legislative briefing on prostate cancer where a panel of experts discussed how we can continue improving access to lifesaving screenings for patients in my district and across Pennsylvania. Learn more about my legislation to improve insurance coverage for prostate cancer screenings here. Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission Quarterly Meeting
Members of the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission convened in Harrisburg this week for our quarterly meeting where we continued to discuss how we can strengthen the economic and cultural ties between Pennsylvania and Ireland. We were glad to welcome special guests, Jim Lamb of the Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh and Sarah Murphy, CEO & Founder of Conexus, to provide updates on their respective organizations’ work and discuss how the commission can partner with them to bring more Irish businesses to Pennsylvania. See more photos from the meeting here. Dept. of Health Withdraws Overbearing Health Regulations After Public OutcryThe Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) withdrew proposed health regulations that would have vastly expanded state government’s power over the lives of Pennsylvanians, a tremendous victory for the grassroots efforts of commonwealth citizens like you. Shortly before the regulations were withdrawn, more than 10,000 citizens, school officials, and others submitted comments to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission expressing their serious concerns. The proposed regulations would have given the state more power to enter homes and businesses without a warrant, speak to students without parents present, access private health records, and more. The DOH introduced the massive, 502-page regulatory overhaul without input from the public or the General Assembly. Although these regulations were withdrawn, we must remain vigilant – DOH could resubmit these at any time. Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness
I was proud to be a part of a press conference with my colleagues and fellow veterans, Sens. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), Gene Yaw (R-23), Greg Rothman (R-34), Doug Mastriano (R-33), and Cris Dush (R-25) to highlight our resolution designating September 2026 as Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. Too many of our nation’s heroes face silent struggles – trauma, stress, depression, addiction, and loneliness – that no one should have to handle alone. This resolution isn’t just about recognizing a month on the calendar – it is about making sure our veterans know their service is remembered, their lives have value, and they are not alone. Veterans in crisis can call 988 and press 1 or text 838255 for support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Learn more about the resolution here. Watch the press conference here. Supporting Firefighters & Workplace Safety at Labor & Industry Committee Meeting
This week, the Senate Labor & Industry Committee advanced bills to:
I’m proud to chair this committee to advance legislation that supports Pennsylvania workers by creating jobs, ensuring fair labor practices, and strengthening the economic vitality of our commonwealth. See my legislative accomplishments here, many of which focus on promoting our commonwealth’s workforce. Sen. Robinson’s Senior Expo this Thursday
My Senior Expo will take place this Thursday, Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Library Volunteer Fire Company in South Park Township! This free event will feature exhibitors from government agencies and organizations to provide resources on a variety of services of interest to seniors. No need to register, but please call our office at 412-785-3070 if you have any questions. Additional details about the event are available here. We look forward to seeing you there! CCAC Celebrates 60 Years of Excellence
Congratulations to the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) on 60 years of excellence and service to our community, and on hosting your first official homecoming celebration! It was an honor to join President Dr. Quintin Bullock, CCAC leadership, alumni, students, and community members in celebrating this historic milestone. See more photos from the celebration here. Grand Opening of CVS in Bridgeville
Congratulations to CVS Pharmacy on the opening of its new location in Bridgeville Borough! Situated in an ideal spot downtown, this new CVS will bring medicine, wellness, and quality care within the reach of many residents. See more photos from the grand opening here. Rennerdale VFD’s Duck Pond Reopening
Last weekend, the Rennerdale Volunteer Fire Department in Collier Township reopened its Duck Pond! Congratulations to those who participated in the kids’ fishing derby. Check out more photos from the event here. Coraopolis NAACP Resource Fair
I had the pleasure to stop by the Coraopolis NAACP Resource Fair! While at the event, I got to interact with and learn from several organizations about the different resources available in our community. See more photos from the fair here. Black Tie & Tails Event to Support Animals
Last week, I had the pleasure to attend the Black Tie & Tails event at Animal Friends with my friends Bob Fragasso, Todd Cenci, and many others. I’m always glad to support this great local organization at their annual fundraiser! See more photos from the event here. New American Flag for Bridgeville VFD
I was honored to provide a new American flag for the Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Department. Thank you to the volunteers for their dedication to keeping the Bridgeville community safe! Legislation to Ban “Nudification” Apps Passed by Senate
Continuing our work to implement stronger safeguards on artificial intelligence, legislation to ban “nudification” apps – which allow individuals to take an image of someone and generate a fake nude or sexually explicit photo of that person – was unanimously approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 1368 prohibits such apps from being developed, operated, or made available in Pennsylvania, including through online application marketplaces. These apps serve no legitimate purpose and pose a special risk to children and school students, whose lives can be upended and reputations damaged through the malicious use of this technology. The measure will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Learn more about Senate Bill 1368 here. Senate Passes Measures to Boost Protection of Senior Citizens
The state Department of Aging has been under review by the Pennsylvania Auditor General and Inspector General over concerns for the well-being of seniors under the care of Pennsylvania’s 52 county-based Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). The Senate approved legislation that would build on the release of Auditor General Tim DeFoor’s recent audit and implement proper safeguards for older Pennsylvanians. Senate Bill 1376, which I was proud to vote for this week, would:
Learn more about Senate Bill 1376 here. The Senate also passed legislation with strong bipartisan support to update Pennsylvania’s Older Adult Protective Services Act to better protect seniors from financial abuse and scams. The FBI ranked Pennsylvania ninth in total losses to fraud experienced by older adults in 2025. More than 7,000 seniors were defrauded of more than $200 million, representing a 43% jump from 2024. Senate Bill 738 would require financial institutions to report suspected cases of elder financial abuse and empower the institutions to hold suspicious financial transactions. The institution would have to report this transaction to the appropriate AAA. Similar legislation has been passed in more than 20 states and has been used as an effective tool to prevent fraud. Read more about Senate Bill 738 here. Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus Press Conference
This week in Harrisburg, Cris Dush (R-25) and other members of the bipartisan and bicameral Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus highlighted legislation to crack down on these heinous crimes and support victims. I’m proud to be a member of this caucus and to work collaboratively with its members to END human trafficking in PA! Learn more about two recent legislative victories on this issue here. Strategies to Combat Antisemitism Highlighted at Senate Hearing
Educators, parents, and advocacy organizations shared their experiences with antisemitism and explored strategies to combat hate during a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee this week. According to the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) 2025 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, Pennsylvania recorded 281 antisemitic incidents, the fifth highest number in the nation. Harassment accounted for 70% of these cases — 194 incidents — alongside 80 acts of vandalism and seven physical assaults. It’s believed these incidents are grossly underreported because victims fear for their safety. Testifiers discussed how antisemitism can take root in schools, noting the state Department of Education doesn’t track or require administrators to note when an incident is antisemitic, leaving students and parents without a way to seek justice. Video of the full hearing and written testimony are available here. Pennsylvania First Responders Day
September 27 was PA First Responders Day! I am glad to regularly work with local first responders across the 37th district to ensure that those who stand ready to protect our communities every day have the resources they need. One of my proudest accomplishments as your senator was establishing and supporting a well-trained and equipped Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) task force in Western PA. Read more about USAR here. Thank you to everyone who answers that first call – your courage and sacrifices do not go unnoticed! Gold Star Mother’s & Family’s Day
Every year, on the last Sunday in September, we recognize Gold Star Mother’s & Family’s Day to honor those who have lost loved ones in service to our country. Mothers, fathers, and families of fallen military service members carry an impossible burden. My heart goes out to them as they deal with their grief. I was honored to meet with Gold Star Mothers at my Wreaths Across America ceremony during the holiday season last year – a time to remember our fallen loved ones by placing wreaths on their graves and hearing their stories to ensure they’re never forgotten. Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grants Available
Pennsylvania students who are blind, deaf, or have a visual or hearing impairment may qualify for up to $500 in scholarships through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Applicants must supply written documentation to PHEAA showing they have been evaluated and are eligible to receive benefits and supply a completed Medical Professional Certification form regarding a visual or hearing impairment. Interested students must also complete the Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grant Application. The completed 2026-27 application and additional documentation must be submitted by March 31, 2027. Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Don’t Miss Your Mammogram!
The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk begin annual screening mammograms at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, talk with your healthcare provider about whether earlier or additional screening may be appropriate. To help, I was a proud sponsor of Act 1 of 2023 to ensure supplemental breast cancer screening MRIs and ultrasound for individuals at higher risk are covered with no out-of-pocket costs. I also backed Act 52 of 2025 to eliminate all out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic breast imaging, including mammograms, MRIs and ultrasounds needed to evaluate an abnormal finding. Act 52 is currently beginning the implementation process, with full implementation by January 2028. I was proud to sponsor and strongly support both of these measures. Pennsylvania residents without insurance or limited insurance, like a high-deductible plan, may qualify for no-cost mammograms and follow-up imaging through programs such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. To learn more, contact the PA Breast Cancer Coalition’s Director of Patient Advocacy, Dolores Magro, at 800-377-8828. When breast cancer is detected at its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate is 99%. Don’t miss your mammogram. Early detection saves lives! Upcoming Events in the 37th District
Looking for things in the area to do this week? Check out these local events across the 37th District!
I’m proud to represent you in Harrisburg. Please contact me if my team can assist you with any state-level issues or services, including PennDOT, PA Department of Revenue, PA Department of Aging, PA State Treasury, etc. I’m always happy to hear from constituents, but if you need assistance or have concerns regarding a federal issue, you may want to contact your U.S. Senators and/or your member in the U.S. House of Representatives. Thank you. |
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